Shakespeare in the Theatre: The Stratford Festival

The Stratford Festival is a significant centre for Shakespeare performance in North America, with a history of over 60 years. It has become the unofficial national theatre, drawing praise and criticism. This book explores the Festival's history, including its foundation, expansion, and staging of Shakespeare in the 21st century. It highlights issues of national identity and the relationship between actor and audience on the Festival's thrust stage. The Festival's work has been influential in the theatre world, using Shakespeares work to articulate complex questions about identity and utilizing technology to reach new audiences. Its collaborative working methods have spread its impact beyond the Festival.

Format: Hardback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 11 July 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Stratford Festival, a renowned theatre institution in Canada, has been a significant contributor to the performance of Shakespeare in North America for over five decades. This comprehensive analysis delves into the Festival's history, examining its evolution and impact on the theatre landscape. The book is divided into three distinct periods, each highlighting different aspects of the Festival's journey. The first period focuses on the establishment of the company, its early challenges, and its growth into a major cultural institution. The second period explores the Festival's expansion and stability, with a focus on the artistic directors who shaped its artistic vision. The third period delves into the contemporary staging of Shakespeare's works, examining the challenges and opportunities presented by the 21st century. Throughout the book, case studies of productions are used to illustrate the Festival's artistic achievements and the impact of its work on audiences. The book also explores the relationship between actor and audience on the Festival's unique thrust stage, highlighting the collective spirit of the company. The Stratford Festival's influence extends beyond its local community, as it has become an unofficial national theatre, drawing praise and criticism from across Canada. Its use of Shakespeares work to address complex questions about identity and its innovative use of technology to reach new audiences have contributed to its success. The Festival's collaborative working methods have also spread its impact, with actors and directors who trained at the Festival taking their training and influences elsewhere. In conclusion, this book argues that the Stratford Festival holds an influential position in the theatre world generally and in the Shakespeare performance environment specifically. Its history, artistic achievements, and collaborative working methods have made it a vital part of the Canadian cultural landscape.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350380806